Welsh retailers will this week recieve a pack from the Welsh Assembly explaining the charge and answering frequently-asked questions on it.

Wales’ environment minister Jane Davidson said that the charge was designed to encourage reuse of bags, not to force shoppers to pay for them every time they shop.

“We have worked closely with the British Retail Consortium, Federation of Small Business, CBI and others in developing our charge for single use carrier bags and delayed introducing the charge by six months to accommodate the requests of retailers.

“This charge has always been popular with the public and I am certain that it will help us to significantly reduce the number of carrier bags given out in Wales.”

However, the charge is extremely unpopular among many in the packaging sector, who see it as a token measure that will do little to cut carbon emissions and will divert public attention from bigger pollutants, not least food waste.

Davidson said: “Whilst I know that reducing our use of single use carrier bags is not going to solve all our environmental problems the charge delivers an important message about the need for us to live much more sustainable lives.”

The Welsh Assembly has also said it will be giving away a number of free jute bags on a first come, first served basis.